On Wednesday, Swatch Group (UHR.S) said Malaysian officials confiscated its rainbow-colored LGBT rights watches.
On May 13 and 14, Malaysia’s Ministry of internal affairs seized Swatch watches.
The ministry did not immediately comment.
The Swiss watchmaker’s “Pride collection” was inspired by the pride movement’s theme of equality and diversity.
CEO Nick Hayek was disappointed and concerned.
“We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful for whomever,” he told Reuters.
The rainbow flag symbolizes LGBT rights.
Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger reported that the corporation would sue for the goods.
In recent years, human rights organizations and activists have highlighted concerns about Malaysia’s growing intolerance of LGBT people.
Last year, Islamic religious authorities questioned 18 LGBT Halloween partygoers.
Malaysia outlaws same-sex acts, but convictions are rare. This is because Islamic criminal and family laws for Muslims coexist with civil laws.
